Industry Jun 17, 2026

Songwriter Fought for 'Livin' On A Prayer' Chorus

“Richie and I knew what we had, and at another writing session we got on our hands and knees, literally, and begged Jon to at least try it”

Originally published by MusicRadar
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Songwriter Fought for 'Livin' On A Prayer' Chorus
Songwriter Desmond Child has revealed the challenges in finalizing the chorus for the Bon Jovi hit ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’. Child insisted that the initial chorus idea was merely a B-section, and pushed for the development of the song’s now-iconic main chorus.

Child, along with Richie Sambora, had to persuade Jon Bon Jovi to explore alternative chorus ideas, with Child describing a moment where they begged him to try their version. Ultimately, their persistence secured the final chorus. Originally reported by MusicRadar.

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